MTB shoes

Go for half a size larger than your street shoe size, as feet swell during exercise. MTB shoes are generally slightly less narrow than road shoes, but the recommendation still applies. Try the shoes on with your usual cycling socks, at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen. Your longest toe should have 5 to 10 mm of space at the front of the sole. The shoe should hold your heel securely without any play, but without compressing the arch of your foot. Some brands (Shimano, Northwave) offer ‘wide’ fit shoes for wider feet.

Stiff soles for XC and Trail (rating 7–10/10); semi-stiff soles for enduro, bikepacking and long rides (rating 4–7/10). Stiff soles (carbon or dense composite) transfer power more effectively to the crankset and reduce muscle fatigue during long rides. They are less comfortable for walking. Semi-stiff soles allow for natural walking during portages, absorb shocks better on landings and are popular in enduro where riding standing on the pedals is common.

Yes, much better than road shoes: the SPD cleats are recessed into the sole and do not protrude. Unlike road shoes, where the cleat protrudes and makes walking difficult, MTB shoes have soles with a slight recess into which the cleat fits completely. This allows you to walk, run on technical sections (portages) and even make quick runs on foot without any problems. The rubber on the outsole (Vibram-type on high-end shoes) improves grip on rocks and slippery terrain.

Centre the cleat under the head of the first metatarsal, allowing for a slight degree of rotation (float) to absorb joint stress. The procedure is the same as for SPD-SL road shoes: align the cleat so that the pedal axle is exactly under the big toe joint. SPD cleats have a float of 4° to 6° depending on the model, which is sufficient to protect the knees. Remove the plastic cover from the sole to access the cleat housing, position the cleat with the two screws slightly loosened, adjust the position, then tighten to the recommended torque.

Hybrid shoes with a semi-rigid sole, SPD-compatible, waterproof and with good walking tread.For bikepacking and multi-day rides combining cycling and walking, cycle touring shoes (Shimano ET701, Giro Chamber II) combine an SPD sole, non-slip tread, waterproofing (Gore-Tex membrane) and walking comfort. They are heavier than pure XC shoes but far more versatile. Some riders opt for trail running shoes with an SPD adapter to maximise walking comfort.

XC shoes are stiff, lightweight and offer little protection; Enduro shoes are heavier, with toe protection, heel reinforcement and a non-slip sole. XC shoes (Shimano XC9, Giro Empire VR90) resemble road shoes with a few MTB adaptations: lightweight, rigid, with a non-slip sole on rocks but without reinforced protection. Enduro shoes (Shimano ME7, Five Ten Kestrel Pro) feature toe protection, heel reinforcement against rocks and a thicker sole. They weigh 150 to 250 g more per pair but offer better protection for your feet on technical sections.

Rinse with clean water after every muddy ride, air-dry (never use a hairdryer), and lubricate the fastening systems. Mud that dries in the fastenings, seams and recesses creates points of abrasion. Rinse with lukewarm water using a soft brush. Leave to air-dry, stuffing the shoes with newspaper to maintain their shape. Lubricate BOA mechanisms with a light silicone spray. Apply a waterproofing product (Nikwax Footwear) every 5 to 10 rides to waterproof shoes to maintain water repellency. Rubber soles should be cleaned with a brush to maintain their grip.

Yes, brands offer women’s MTB shoes with shapes adapted to the anatomy of the female foot. The female foot is generally narrower, with a slimmer heel and a relatively wider forefoot than the male foot. Women’s models (Shimano SH-WM5, Giro Solara) take these proportions into account for a more comfortable fit. Sizes generally range from 36 to 41. If no women’s model is suitable, some women opt for men’s models in smaller sizes with a customised insole.

A mid-range trail shoe covers all three disciplines with reasonable compromises. A sturdy trail shoe (Shimano ME502, Specialized Rime Elite) offers a sole stiff enough for XC, sufficient protection for moderate trail riding and decent grip for carried sections in enduro. For cyclists who focus intensively on a single discipline, a dedicated shoe will offer a measurable advantage. But for cyclists who practise all disciplines, a good, versatile trail shoe is the best investment.